Director of Libraries, Neuse Regional Library, Kinston, NC
Posted April 20, 2018
Director of Libraries, Neuse Regional Library, Kinston, NC
This is a repost. All previous candidates will need to reapply to be considered.
SALARY:
Recruitment salary range $86,000 – $110,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications and a competitive benefits package including an initial relocation allowance and opportunities to travel for professional development.
COMMUNITY:
The region served by the Library offers a very affordable cost of living while remaining centrally located; the Headquarters Library is located 80 miles from North Carolina’s culturally-rich capital Raleigh and approximately 60 miles from the Crystal Coast beach resort area. Traditionally an agricultural and manufacturing center, the region is undergoing a shift towards increased tourism and entertainment, exemplified by local destination restaurant The Chef and the Farmer (featured on the PBS series A Chef’s Life); nationally recognized microbrewery Mother Earth; and Cutter Creek Golf Club, a PGA-caliber golf course. The region is also rich in history, and local attractions include the remains of the ironclad C.S.S. Neuse, the Richard Caswell museum, and several Civil War battlefields.
DESCRIPTION:
The Neuse Regional Library System is an innovative Regional Library that consistently implements new services and programs to meet the evolving needs of patrons. During the last few years, the Library has introduced mobile hotspots and iPads for circulation by patrons, acquired technology to enhance early literacy for local children, implemented a state-of-the-art RFID system, provided access to new technologies such as 3D printing and digital resources, and greatly expanded STEAM and digital literacy programming for young patrons. The Library has also completely renovated its two largest locations to place a stronger focus on emerging technologies: the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library in 2008 and the Greene County Public Library in 2012. The Library is well-supported by its community and local leaders place a high priority on library services. The Director of Libraries provides strategic and operational leadership for the Library System while continuously seeking new services to meet the changing needs of patrons. This administrative position works independently while reporting directly to the Neuse Regional Library Board of Trustees, and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the general activities of the Neuse Regional Library System. The Director of Libraries leads a team of trained professional and paraprofessional staff in ensuring that the Library possesses the personnel, equipment, programs, and facilities to fully identify and meet the needs of local residents. The Director of Libraries determines the financial requirements of the Library System, manages the annual budgets and finances for the Library System as well as its three county Libraries, and supervises the expenditures of these funds.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Performance of periodic assessment of community needs, development of long-range and technology planning, and evaluation of library services in response to these evaluations, as well as regular staff development and training
- Ensuring that library facilities are inviting to local residents and that patrons feel free to use all libraries in comfort and safety
- Commitment to innovation, identification and adoption of emerging library technologies and trends, and willingness to explore new projects to better serve patrons
- Pursuit of alternative and supplementary sources of funding and engagement in creative fundraising as required by special projects, and oversight of the development of grant proposals
- Establishment of effective working relationships with other governmental agencies and community groups as well as public relations and general advocacy for the Library in the community
QUALIFICATIONS:
A master’s degree in library science, library and information science, or an equivalent degree from an ALA accredited institution and eligibility for certification by the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission; a minimum of seven years professional public library experience (including a minimum of at least three years of public library supervisory and/or administrative experience and preferably at least two years of experience as a public library Director); thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library management, techniques, systems, working tools, technologies, and procedures; insightful vision into the future of libraries and their evolving role in the community as well as the changing needs of patrons; strong leadership and supervisory qualities, including exceptional decision-making skills; detail-oriented personality with superior organizational and time-management skills; a demonstrated record of integrity and trustworthiness in all professional activities; considerable financial knowledge and experience with creating, modifying, and adhering to a budget; ability to work well with others and a capacity for fairness and empathy; capacity for problem-solving; excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as public speaking skills and the ability to make presentations on behalf of the Library in a variety of settings; and experience in planning/coordinating special events.
AVAILABLE:
Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2018. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will be open on September 1, 2018. Travel costs for candidates invited for an in-person interview will be reimbursed by the Library.
TO APPLY:
For more information about the position, library, or region or to apply online, visit www.neusedirectorsearch.org. Online applications are preferred but applications by mail will be accepted; send a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of four professional references to Search Committee, c/o Neuse Regional Library, 510 North Queen Street, Kinston, NC 28501. Questions or application materials can also be sent to [email protected].